The on-line user network: organization and working procedures

The National Library of Medicine's on-line user community has grown from a small group of 25 institutions in October 1971 to more than 900 in January 1978. Management of the MEDLINE User Network, co-ordination of on-line data-bases, and provision of user support services are an important function of the MEDLARS Management Section (MMS). MMS is the point of contact for on-line users; a service desk is maintained to provide immediate assistance; and technical materials describing the various data-bases are prepared including the monthly NLM Technical Bulletin and the On-Line Services Reference Manual. Other management and support activities include the preparation of statistical reports; handling of on-line centre applications received from the Regional Medical Libraries; co-ordination of codes and passwords for users; and the distribution of off-line prints, off-searches, and tape copies of the data-bases. A monthly current awareness service is also provided. The working procedures for these support activities are described.